Reviews

Sturdy, lightweight hiking poles that utilize Black…

Sturdy, lightweight hiking poles that utilize Black Diamond's FlickLock technology for securing the poles to whatever length you need for all terrain.

Pros

Stong, sturdy material

Comfortable grips, molded and extended below the main grip

Easily adjustable, yet secure wrist straps

FlickLock technology works well

Cons

None

I decided to replace my 12-year-old set of hiking poles because the twist mechanism inside the shaft kept slipping on one of them. I took it apart and super glued it the locking mechanism back together because it had split in half, but at that point I started wondering when the other pole would do the same thing or when the glue on my repair would break apart again.

At one of the recent REI Garage Sales, they were selling off all their last seasons rental gear and they had a stack of Black Diamond FlickLock poles that were rented along with snowshoes. At $25, the price was too good to pass up so I picked up a set. The basket on them was the larger size for using in the snow, so I bought the smaller sized for hiking and swapped them out.

I've used them several times now and they are really sturdy poles. The FlickLock adjustment is very easy to use and very secure. These poles were used for at least one season by snowshoers and are slightly scarred up and even after all that abuse, they seem as good as new.

I've put a decent amount of weight on them when descending rocky terrain and they handle my 215 lbs easily with no warping. I also like how they've extended the grip material below the molded handles. You can open up the pole to a longer length and use them more like a traditional hiking staff.

If you're looking for a set of reliable trekking poles, I recommend you taking a look at these.

Bought these to replace my aging twist lock poles. The wrist straps are very comfortable as are the the grips. The cam locks hold well. They didn't come with rubber tips or snow baskets but are still worth the price. I would recommend them to anyone who wants a lightweight trekking pole.

These poles have held up over many many hikes and…

These poles have held up over many many hikes and collapse short enough to attach to pack when not in use.

Pros

Sturdy construction

Comfortable grips

Fairly lightweight

Easy to adjust length

These poles are great! I use them in all seasons (baskets for the winter). I've used the poles where you twist to adjust and these seem to loosen easily. Have not had any issues with the Flicklock system. Once they are adjusted and clicked into place you are good to go.

The wrist strap is easily adjusted and has a bit of padding, a nice touch. I find the hand grips very comfortable with or without gloves.

As far as the anti-shock — you have to put quite a bit of weight on them to feel it.

I'm not alone in loving these poles as my friends all bought them too, as seen in the photo below at Galehead Hut in New Hampshire.

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Great trekking pole. These poles are very strong,…

These poles are very strong, they pack down very small and are easily affordable. The clip design makes them easy to adjust and gives the segments super strong joins with no slippage. I've taken these poles to Everest Base Camp and the summit of Kilimanjaro with no problems.

The handles are very grippy even with gloves on and the only drawback I've found is the wrist straps are a little larger than I'd like. Great poles.

I have been very happy with these poles. they were…

I have been very happy with these poles. they were a significant step up from my previous poles for the following reasons:

Grip - these have a firm rubber/foam grip. The grips have some 'give' but are nicely contoured. I debated quite a bit about rubber vs. cork grips, but no regrets so far. The straps are pretty easy to adjust and pretty comfortable. So far, neither has worn appreciably. (My former poles had hard plastic grips, which were less comfortable.)

Length adjustment - this is a three-section pole with two 'flik locks.' the length is marked on each section of the pole. The flik locks are firm; one of the four required a slight adjustment because it slipped on my first hike; after that brief adjustment, with a screwdriver, slippage hasn't been an issue.

My main debate was whether to get this or fixed-length poles that collapse into three sections, much like a tent pole. The fixed-length collapsible poles are lighter, but I like the ability to adjust the length depending on conditions. (The poles I replaced had twist locks that slipped regularly.)

This is the first set of trekking poles I've ever…

This is the first set of trekking poles I've ever owned, so I can't compare them to any others but I am so glad I finally bought a set.

Grips are comfortable and poles are very sturdy, Got them hung up a couple of times between rocks and they flexed with out bending or breaking. Locks held firm, once set they never moved. Tips grip on anything, would almost bet money they would get a bite on greased glass!

I have used these poles on several occasions in the…

I have used these poles on several occasions in the AT and they have saved me from serious pain that I would experience if I didn't use them. That alone warrants five stars IMO.

These are high quality poles. The grips are comfortable, and the shock system is firm. The carbide tips help to keep the poles from slipping on rocks. I have not had any problems with the locking mechanism slipping.

If anything, get poles to save your knees. Plus they open up the option of using shelters rather than carrying a heavy tent. (Another bonus to the knees!)

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The Black Diamond Trail Shock Poles are very strong…

The Black Diamond Trail Shock Poles are very strong and supportive. The best feature is the flick locks. The flick locks are very stable and don't loosen up. I have leaned on these over and over again and they don't slip. I have used these poles on uneven trails, rocks, mud and crossing creeks. These poles hold up without fail. I highly recommend these poles!!!

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Great lightweight poles. I used these heavily on a…

Great lightweight poles. I used these heavily on a 7-day trek in the Alps and they were very helpful. Of my group, I had the lightest poles and the easiest to collapse. Highly recommend (plus they look great)!

Pros

Lightweight

Easy to collape

Easy to adjust height

Looks great

Once I adjusted the height I was able to keep them at the correct height, and then easily collapse or open up to the set height in a few seconds. I liked the multiple options for where to grip so I could easily adjust depending on if I was on an incline or decline.

Locking: Easy to use mechanisms and they didn't slip at all during a 7-day trek.

Traction: I had a little slippage but it might have helped if I had changed the tips (which I chose not to do). But nothing significant or a real problem.

Baskets: Very small, practically non-existent. This bothered some in other reviews I read, but since I knew I couldn't count on the baskets I didn't care.

Very easy to use and well constructed, like everything Black Diamond. I have used heavily for a month and show no wear.

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